Effect of different level of fertilizer and various organic manure on growth and yield of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of inorganic fertilizers and various organic manures on the growth and yield of barley. The experiment was carried out at the Rajaula Agriculture farm, Madhya Pradesh, using a factorial randomized block design with eight treatments and three replications. The treatments included combinations of recommended dose fertilizers (RDF), FYM, vermicompost, and poultry manure. Growth parameters like plant height, number of tillers, and yield attributes such as number of spikes, spike length, grains per spike, and test weight were recorded. The results indicated that the treatment combination of 50% RDF with 50% poultry manure (T8) produced the highest plant height (92.35 cm at 90 DAS), the maximum number of tillers (52.47 at 30 DAS), and the highest grain yield (40.19 q ha-1). Treatment T8 also recorded the maximum spike length (8.19 cm), grains per spike (41.6), and test weight (45.37 g). The combined use of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers significantly enhanced the physical and chemical properties of the soil, promoting better growth and higher yield compared to the control and sole RDF treatments. Thus, the integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers is recommended for sustainable barley production.